A 3D-Printed Bipedal Robot for Just CNY 10,000—Unitree Robotics Releases Open-Source Qmini

Panda3dp.com recently learned that the Berkeley Robot Learning Lab at the University of California, Berkeley has officially released an open-source humanoid robot called Berkeley Humanoid Lite. Entirely manufactured via 3D printing, the robot features fully open-source hardware designs, embedded code, and training frameworks, keeping the total hardware cost under \$5,000 (approximately CNY 36,000).

On June 4, 2025, Panda3dp.com further reported that Unitree Robotics, a well-known Chinese developer in the humanoid robotics space, has unveiled its own open-source bipedal robot: Qmini. Designed for affordability and accessibility, Qmini is compact and can be built for under CNY 10,000 using 3D printing. Tailored for hobbyists, educators, and researchers, the robot features a modular, LEGO-like design that allows users to quickly assemble their own units.

Thanks to comprehensive open-source resources, developers can easily access all required components. The entire mechanical framework is 3D printable, virtually eliminating the need for custom machining. Once printed, the robot can be assembled in just 3–5 hours using Unitree’s reliable 8010 motors and standard battery packs.

Qmini offers an accessible and budget-friendly gateway into the robotics field, catalyzing innovation and contributing to the advancement of the global robotics ecosystem.

The open-source project is now available on GitHub. The resource package includes a complete Bill of Materials (BOM), electrical schematics, and detailed assembly guides.

From a hardware perspective, all mechanical components are provided as STEP files alongside standard operating procedures (SOPs). On the software side, users will find a full URDF model and the core software stack RoboTamer4Qmini.

Qmini integrates 11 Unitree 8010 motors, 10 of which power the robot’s primary locomotion system, while the remaining one is located at the neck and reserved for future customization. Panda3dp.com found on e-commerce platforms that each motor is priced between CNY 1,000–2,000, with student discounts bringing the cost down to several hundred yuan—making it feasible to build the entire robot for under CNY 10,000.

The control system is built on the philosophy that "excellent tools should be easy to use," prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The platform supports a variety of affordable control boards, with the default reference being the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. Developers are free to choose alternative controllers based on project requirements.

Qmini Use Cases:

* Hobbyists: Print, assemble, and program your own bipedal robot at home

* STEM Education: Ideal for robotics competitions, lab experiments, and capstone projects

* Research Institutes: Compact platform for testing dynamic gait, motion control, and AI algorithms

* Interactive Entertainment: Suitable for animation, stage performances, and creative tech experiences

Project Link: [Unitree Qmini GitHub](https://github.com/unitreerobotics/Qmini)